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ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – January 7, 2015 5 <br /> <br /> <br />Associate Planner Bachler reviewed the options available to the Planning Commission on this <br />matter: <br /> <br />1. Recommend Approval with Conditions <br />2. Recommend Approval as Submitted. <br />3. Recommend Denial <br />4. Table <br /> <br />Chair Thompson opened the floor to Commissioner comments. <br /> <br />Commissioner Zimmerman asked if staff has discussed the landscape coverage on the property <br />at 4703 U.S. Highway 10 with the applicant and wondered if the landscaped area could be <br />increased in size. He expressed frustration that a variance was being requested after the fact that <br />the parking lot had already been constructed. <br /> <br />Associate Planner Bachler stated that due to how the property has been developed, there is not <br />sufficient area on the lot to address the landscaping issue. <br /> <br />Commissioner Holewa understood that the City was being asked to approve a variance for a <br />nonconformity that already existed, but he noted that the reduction in landscape coverage was <br />also being requested without the inclusion of any rain gardens. He did not support this situation <br />and questioned how the site would manage its rainfall. <br /> <br />Associate Planner Bachler stated that he was not aware of where stormwater falling on the site <br />drained to. <br /> <br />Commissioner Holewa questioned if the parking lot expansion required permits of any type. <br /> <br />Associate Planner Bachler stated this type of project would typically require a building permit. <br /> <br />Commissioner Bartel inquired if the lot should be squared off instead of running along the <br />parking lot. He commented that this may provide additional space for landscaping. <br /> <br />Associate Planner Bachler indicated this was discussed by staff and he did not believe it was <br />appropriate to require additional land to be sold to the Big 10 Supper Club from Arden Manor. <br /> <br />Jeff Johnson, attorney representing Arden Manor and 550 Associates, thanked staff for the <br />thorough report and for recommending the proposed land conveyance. He spoke to the <br />Commission regarding conditions one and three for approval. He requested that a registered land <br />survey not be required. He discussed the tax implications and suggested the filing not be <br />required until November of 2015. Mr. Johnson suggested that condition three be reconsidered to <br />allow for monuments or stakes to be placed at the corners and angles of the newly created parcel <br />at 4703 U.S. Highway 10. <br /> <br />Commissioner Bartel asked if this was the intent of staff for condition three. <br /> <br />Associate Planner Bachler stated this was the case.